UNUSUAL SINUS OF THE STYLOID PROCESS

The case of a 50-year-old man with an unusual sinus of the styloid pro cess is presented. This anomaly caused recurrent otorrhea and repeated neck inflammation. The sinus was identified in the upper part: of the styloid process and was resected completely as definitive treatment. Since the styloid process is formed by mesenchymal tissue of the secon d branchial arch, lack of chondrification and ossification was presume d to be the cause of the sinus found in the patient. In case of direct communication between the styloid process cavity and the middle ear s pace the term ''styloid process recess'' is suggested. This recess can act as a possible source for recurrent middle ear infections and neck inflammations.